What Kind Of Seams Are Sewn On A Tent

Quick Answer: What Kind Of Seams Are Sewn On A Tent

Tent Seams Should Be Sealed Alcohol for rubbing. Proper tent seam sealer (make sure you obtain the correct type for your tent). Cloth that has been silicone treated requires a different sealer than fabric that has been polyurethane coated. The majority of tents are constructed of polyurethane-coated textiles, however if you’re not sure what kind of fabric your tent is made of, you should check with the tent maker.)

What are the types of seams?

There are seven different types of seams. Seamless construction. Uncomplicated seams may be used on practically any object since they are the most basic sort of seam. A double-stitched seam is used. This sort of seam is similar to a regular seam, with the exception that there are two lines of stitching connecting the cloth for added strength. Sewn with a French seam. Seam that has been bound. Seam that is flat-felled. Sewn with a welt seam. Seam has been lapped.

What does at the seams mean?

Informal. : to disassemble or disassemble into parts or fragments —usually used figuratively to describe someone or something that is in really terrible shape. The plan/company is on the verge of collapsing around them. This woman appears to be unraveling at the seams.

Why do tents leak when touched?

When a tent’s canvas is touched during a rainstorm, the tent begins to leak. What causes this? When you place your finger on a wet canvas, surface tension will pull the water to your fingertip. When the humidity is high, whatever is left will still attract condensation more than the rest of the inner tent surface, causing it to seem to leak from that location.

Do you seam seal inside or outside of tent?

Set up your tent outside on a bright day to allow the seams to dry completely. Some individuals recommend applying seam sealer to the exterior of the tent, while others recommend applying it to the inside. Most tent manufacturers and seam sealing instructions recommend sealing seams on the urethane-coated side of the fabric, which would be on the inside of the tent.

How do you seal vinyl fabric seams?

Seam sealers, such as HH-66 Vinyl Cement, can be used to preserve the seams of a vinyl tarp or cover to keep them from fraying. Simply brush the HH-66 over top of the sewed seams on the bottom of the cloth alone, making sure not to get it into the fabric itself. The glue will dry clear and will no longer be sticky when it has been allowed to cure.

What is the best waterproofing for tents?

The finest tent sprays for keeping your tent dry. Nikwax Tent and Gear Solarproof is a solar-resistant coating. One of the most effective techniques of tent waterproofing is really a preventive measure. Kiwi Camp Dry Heavy Duty Water Repellent is a water repellent that is effective in all weather conditions. Nikwax Tech Wash is a multi-purpose cleaner. Star Brite Waterproofing Spray, Stain Repellent, and UV Protection is a multi-purpose product. Scotchgard Outdoor Water Shield is a water-resistant coating that protects against the elements.

What is a French seam?

If you sew anything, you may use a French seam to conceal the seam allowance on the inside of the object, so that there is no raw edge visible.

It’s most typically used on sheer fabrics, where it allows the seam to blend in with the cloth. On the other hand, it may be used on any fabric where you wish to enclose the seam allowance while maintaining a delicate edge.

What does seam mean?

Fold, line, or groove created by sewing together or attaching two edges of cloth or two pieces of material together 2: a mineral or metal layer in the earth that has formed throughout time More on seam from the Merriam-Webster dictionary.

Do new tents need seam sealer?

Is it necessary to seam seal my tent? The simple answer is that if it leaks, it is a yes. In addition to providing a waterproof barrier, seam sealing will also help to increase the life of your tent. If your seams were pre-taped at the manufacturer, this may be difficult to do since any leftover tape may interfere with the application.

What are the 4 kinds of seams?

The type of seam (plain, lapped, bound, or flat) and the position of the seam in the completed garment are important considerations in clothing production (centre back seam, inseam, side seam). In order to avoid the ravelling of raw fabric edges and to make the interior of clothing look neater, seams are completed using a number of techniques.

How do you seal waterproof seams?

A specific seam-sealing tape may be used to completely seal up the seams of outerwear, ensuring that it is genuinely water-resistant. When working with natural fabrics, another option is to wax the seams as demonstrated below.

What are the 3 types of seams?

The Different Types of Seams and Their Applications 1) A simple seam. The plain seam is the very earliest and most fundamental seam used all across the world. 2) A single stitch is used to create a plain seam. 3) A plain seam with a double top stitch on the inside. 4) Seam along the hairline. 5) Seam that is bound. 6) Seam with a Lapped Edge (Tucked Seam) 7) French Seam is a type of seam that is used to join two pieces of fabric together. Run and Fell Seam or Flat Felled Seam are two options for this step.

What is the purpose of seam sealer?

In the 1980s, manual seam sealing for the purpose of reducing perforation corrosion had previously been proven to be effective. Today, it is largely utilized in the original equipment manufacturing (OEM) automotive sector to seal against air leaks and to waterproof sheetmetal overlaps that occur during the construction of a car.

Should you put a tarp under your tent?

Placing some form of ground cover or tarp beneath your tent is vital for ensuring the longevity of your tent as well as keeping it warm and dry throughout the winter. Even dew will run down the tent walls and pool beneath your tent if the tarp is stretched too far out from the tent. A tarp should not be placed underneath the tent when camping at the beach, but rather inside the tent.

How do you seal seams?

Why It’s Important to Seal Tent Seams A bottle of seam sealer may be purchased for a few dollars at a sporting goods store or online. Set up your tent in the open air on a dry, bright day. The seam sealer is packaged in a container with an applicator on the top of the bottle. Allow for a few hours of drying time after applying the sealer. Repeat the application process a second time, and allow the seams to dry completely.

How do you waterproof a seam?

Waterproofing seams can be accomplished in two ways: by using a liquid “glue” to cover all holes, or by using bondable tape that is applied with heat.

If your fabric is unable to withstand any amount of heat, you will be forced to use the liquid. If you are able to use an iron, I recommend using seam tape instead.

What is a circus seam?

A felled seam, also known as a flat-fell seam, is a type of seam created by tucking one edge of cloth under another folded edge of fabric and sewing the fold down. It may be used to keep seam allowances flat and to conceal raw edges on garments. The flat-felled seam is the sort of seam that is employed in the production of denim jeans, however it looks inside-out in order to minimize stitching density.

How To Sew A Tent Seam?

Steps for sewing water-resistant fabric:

• Set the sewing machine to a medium-length straight stitch and use the ultraviolet-protected thread to sew the garment together. Join the waterproof fabric pieces that are on the wrong side of the cloth. Put the fabric together with a 5/8 inch seam allowance
• Stitch the fabric together.

How do you repair a tent seam?

Tent Seam Repair – How To Fix A Tent Seam

Can you sew tent material?

Yes, you can sew light-weight nylon textiles, but if you wish to stitch something like sil nylon, which is extremely slippery, you should use seam tape instead of needle and thread. It’s simply a double-sided adhesive tape.

How do you sew a canvas seam?

Fabrication of the Three Most Popular Seams in Canvas Sewing Seam Construction

What is the strongest seam?

Flat Felled Felled Felled Felled Felled Felled Felled Felled Felled Felled Felled Felled Felled Felled Felled Felled Felled Felled Felled Felled Felled Felled Felled Felled Felled Felled Felled Felled Felled Felled Felled Felled Felled Felled Felled Felled Felled F It’s also the strongest type of seam, making it ideal for heavier materials that require more protection to hold them together, such as the side seams of pants or jeans, among other things.

How do you sew two pieces of canvas together?

Fabrication of the Three Most Popular Seams in Canvas Sewing Seam Construction

Do you seam seal inside or outside of tent?

Set up your tent outside on a bright day so that the seams may be sealed. Some individuals advocate applying seam sealer on the exterior of the tent, while others recommend putting it on the interior of the tent, depending on your preference. According to the majority of tent manufacturers and seam sealing instructions, seams should be sealed on the urethane-coated side of the fabric, which is on the inside of the tent.

Do I need to seam seal my tent?

If your tent has factory-taped seams, you won’t have to worry about sealing them. Your tent should be water-resistant, but before heading into the backcountry, you should test its waterproofness with a sprinkler to ensure that it is indeed water-resistant. If you want to use your tent regularly, especially in damp weather, you should consider seam sealing it.

How do you remove seam sealant from an old tent?

Then you may re-dissolve it with mineral spirits (in a manner similar to how some people thin seam sealer before applying it) and wash it away. Simply dip a towel or brush in water and begin cleaning.

Tents 101: Seam Taping vs. Seam Sealing

It’s never pleasure dealing with leaking seams, especially when it’s raining in the middle of the afternoon. However, the seams of a tent are also its most vulnerable area when it comes to stray and persistent water. Manufacturers of tents have three alternatives for preventing infiltration: using seam tape, using seam sealing, or building a robust seam construction from the ground up. Because you’re reading this, it’s likely that you’re inquisitive about the differences between these two options.

• Let’s get started.
• Seam tape does exactly what it says on the package.
• The tape has the effect of a dam.
• Tent manufactures are normally certified to use seam tape in their products.
• When used in tents, the approach is same, but the manner in which it is implemented differs.
• What exactly is seam sealing?
• The tents, such as some MSR tents, are seam sealed from the factory, whereas others are not.

If the remainder of your tent is still in excellent condition, seam sealing is a fantastic option to keep it in good condition rather than having to purchase a new tent.

When the sealant is put on, it seeps into the stitching holes and forms a watertight barrier around the area.

Let’s start with a question: Have you ever had a tent with flaking seams that you didn’t like?

Some applications benefit greatly from the use of seam tape, whilst others do not.

This is due to the fact that the tape sticks to certain textiles extremely effectively, providing long-term protection.

When used on thinner tent materials, the tape simply fades more quickly.

Depending on how well you take care of your tent, this might take several years, or it could happen rather rapidly if you don’t.

Furthermore, once the tape is removed, your seams are rendered unprotected.

In the presence of moisture, heat, and humidity for an extended period of time, seam tape can begin to break down and flake away from lightweight tent fabrics.

However, as tent materials have become lighter in weight, we have discovered that even the finest seam tape does not match our requirements for long-term performance.

The introduction of our new Xtreme Shield waterproof covering, which includes precision-stitched, factory-sealed seams, is something we’re delighted to announce for 2019.

Is it necessary to seam seal my tent?

In addition to providing a waterproof barrier, seam sealing will also help to increase the life of your tent.

As in the case of MSR’s Hubbaseries, if your seams are sewn and factory sealed, but wear has exposed regions to leaks over time, seam sealing is significantly easier to do.

Apply the sealer on the fabric’s underside/inside (or glossy side) using a sponge or a brush.

We’re gearheads, and we’ve put the various seam sealants on the market to the test.

ChooseSeam Grip +WP if you want the most explosive one.

It does need a small amount of work and a lengthier drying time than other options.

Sometimes simply caulking the areas where you’ve detected drips is enough to prevent further damage.

However, a little tender loving care may go a long way toward preserving its quality. Now, enough with the technical jargon. We believe that this technology can be used in tents and should be used in tents! Posts related to this one:

• Tent Fabrics Part 1: Fabric Specs
• Tent Fabrics Part 2: Waterproof Ratings
• The Ultimate Guide to MSR Tents
• Tent Fabrics Part 3: Waterproof Ratings
• Tent Fabrics Part 4: Waterproof Ratings

The 3 Most Popular Seams for Canvas

When it comes to outdoor canvas projects, we are asked a lot about the best sort of seam to use. Let’s speak about seams for a minute. We’ll guide you through the three most prevalent types of seams, examine the merits and possible pitfalls of each, and demonstrate how to create each one in your sewing project. Each seam is evaluated based on its strength, water resistance, UV exposure, and fabric composition. Then it’s up to you to decide!

The Overlapping Seam

This is the simplest and most straightforward seam to create.

• A 90 percent strength in the cloth Not as water resistant as before
• Threads that have been exposed to ultraviolet light Fabric utilization that is efficient (i.e., equal to seam width)

The Semi Flat Felled Seam

A common seam among experienced canvasworkers, this one creates a clean, completed appearance on the top side of the canvas alone.

• The cloth has 95 percent strength
• Extremely good water resistance
• Only one stitch line is exposed to ultraviolet light
• Average fabric consumption (two times the width of the seam)

The Full Flat Felled Seam

Because this seam is the most complicated, no raw edges are visible on the outside. It is possible to have a completed edge on both sides of the cloth with a Full Flat Felled Seam. After sewing the materials together, sew a row of threads around one seam width away from the top raw edge of the seam to boost its UV resistance. This step is not depicted in the video for your convenience.

• Fabric with 100 percent tensile strength
• Almost waterproof
• Threads that have been exposed to ultraviolet light Fabric is used in large quantities (three times the width of the seam)

What is your favorite sort of seam to use? Please share your thoughts and sewing techniques in the comments section!

how to sew canvas tent seams? – ArtRadarJournal.com

When working on a canvas project, a heavy duty thread has a tendency to leave a lot of lint on your sewing machine, which may be frustrating. As a result, cleaning your equipment on a regular basis is an essential element of the procedure. It is advisable to use three to three stitch lengths. When the cloth is heavy duty or thick, the 5-in-1 performs best, as seen below. The stitch is beautiful and looks great, and with this technique, stitching through numerous layers is much easier than using a straight stitch.

What type of sewing machine do you need to sew canvas?

If you intend to sew canvas, a straight stitch machine with a walking foot is the best choice. Using the walking foot will be necessary if you are sewing canvas or vinyl together. Direct-stitch sewing machines are faster, less difficult, and easier to operate when compared to zig-zag sewing machines. They are also capable of sewing through heavier fabrics as well.

Do you need a special needle to sew canvas?

Given that canvas is a densely woven and hefty fabric, you should stitch your new home décor or accessory items with a needle that is adequate for the task. When sewing through layers of canvas, use a universal or jeans needle in the size range of 90 to 100 to avoid breaking needles and losing time by using a universal or jeans needle.

Can you upholster with a regular sewing machine?

We have eliminated the urban legend. Textiles that are sewed for upholstery are no different than textiles that are made for normal clothes in terms of appearance. Make certain that your sewing machine is set up correctly for the sort of stitch you intend to use, or else your creation will appear haphazardly stitched. On a typical domestic sewing machine, avoid using heavy-duty thread and industrial needles since they will cause the machine to break.

How do you waterproof a canvas seam?

Using the clear, deep-penetrating liquid DRI STITCH® to wipe the seams on both sides of the canvas after it has been washed and dried is recommended.

Almost immediately, it is no longer detectable by the eye. It fills up the holes made by the needle when it passes through the cloth and closes the edges.

How do you waterproof a seam?

It is possible to waterproof seams in two ways: with a liquid adhesive that fills in all holes, or with a sealant that fills in all holes. Heat is given to bondable tape to make it adhere better. Because your fabric will not be able to withstand high temperatures, you will need to use a liquid instead. If you are able to use an iron, a seam tape might be a nice option.

How do you repair a canvas tent seam?

• It is possible to cut a tiny portion of canvas from a larger piece of canvas. In order to ensure that the rip is entirely covered, it is recommended that the patch be glue-glued to the tent’s interior. Outside of the tent, sew another patch over the tear so that you may repeat the operation
• As soon as you add weight to the patches, make sure all of the adhesive has dried fully.

Can you Retape tent seams?

It is not necessary to replace the old item because it may be resealed and used for many more years if properly maintained. If you’ve never done it before, the procedure might seem overwhelming and dirty, but with this helpful tutorial, you can have your 2-man castle looking as good as new in no time.

How do you repair canvas stitch?

Remove the old hooks and loops by simply tearing off the seams to which they are fastened, as shown in the picture. When you’re finished, you may stitch the new product in place. It is usually a good idea to keep the backs of hooks and loops shaded from the sun. The addition of a canvas flap is advised for people who do not have a canvas backing while replacing their mattress.

How do I waterproof a seam?

The Waterproof Seam Sealing Tape is a game changer when it comes to waterproofing. In addition to covering needle holes and preventing moisture from entering, seam sealing tape also creates a watertight surface for coats, tents, and other goods that require a waterproof finish.

Watch how to sew canvas tent seams video

Spraying your tent with waterproofing spray is the quickest and most efficient technique to make it water resistant and weatherproof. In most cases, waterproof sprays perform an excellent job of sealing canvas pores since they do not interfere with the fabric’s ability to breathe. For waterproofing, use a silicone or fluoropolymer spray developed specifically for this purpose.

How do you seal a canvas tent?

Rather than when it is laying flat, it should be propped up. Canvas preservative can be applied to the canvas using a paintbrush to give it a protective coating. It is safe to say that a canvas preservative has dried when it is no longer sticky when touched.

Can you repair canvas tent?

The best way to store it is upright rather than flat. Canvas preservative can be applied to the canvas using a paintbrush to protect it from damage. In order for a canvas preservative to be dry, it must no longer be tacky to the touch.

How do you repair torn tent fabric?

Make sure you use mending tape to cover the hole and at least one inch of fabric surrounding it before sewing it back together. By rounding the edges of the patch, you can extend the life of the patch. The next step involves removing the backing from the tape repair and placing the tent fabric on a flat, stable surface to dry. Attach the patch to the wall with a screwdriver.

How do you fix ripped canvas fabric?

Alternatively, you may cut slits in the corners of the patch and sew them in place, allowing you to tuck the edges under. To begin, cut a rectangle out of your new patch material that is somewhat larger in size than the hole in your previous canvas (top and bottom if necessary). By basting the hemmed edge of the fabric to the hole in the cover, you can ensure that it is securely bonded to the cover.

Do I need to waterproof a canvas tent?

In addition to being beautiful, canvas tents are a practical choice for individuals who want strength, stability, comfort, and lifespan in addition to being luxurious.

In order to use polyester canvas as a tent, it is required to ‘pre-wette’ the canvas beforehand. When storing your tent for an extended amount of time, be certain that it is clean and free of moisture.

How do you protect a canvas tent?

• Packing a tent when it is damp is never a smart idea! Tents should be packaged in their original packaging. Moisture is retained by vegetation and soil, which can result in mold formation. Ideally, tents should be maintained in a cool, dry location away from moisture
• Basements should not be used for tent storage. Keeping something over an extended amount of time

How do I reproof my canvas tent?

• While it is entirely dry, or when you are on a camping vacation, you should reproof your canvas tent. Filling irrigation pumps and pressure sprayers with Fabsil is a simple and straightforward process. Make certain that the Fabsil is applied evenly throughout the tent. Before continuing forward, check to see that everything is entirely dry.

How do you repair a tear in a canvas tent?

• It is possible to cut a tiny portion of canvas from a larger piece of canvas. In order to ensure that the rip is entirely covered, it is recommended that the patch be glue-glued to the tent’s interior. Outside of the tent, sew another patch over the tear so that you may repeat the operation
• As soon as you add weight to the patches, make sure all of the adhesive has dried fully.

How do you put a patch on a canvas tent?

• Begin by closing up the hole with a needle and thread. To begin stitching, take your needle and thread and start stitching
• Covering the area once you have finished sewing in the seams is important. Following the completion of step two, you can proceed to step three, which is Sewing the interior patch will take place during Step 3 of the process. Step four is to sew the outer patch onto the garment. The next step is to use a canvas seam sealer to glue the seams together.

how to sew a canvas tent?

It is possible to distinguish between tent sewing threads based on their composition: polyester/cotton thread (for waterproof results) or 100 percent polyester thread (for robust, durable stitching that is not required to be watertight).

How do you fix a ripped tent material?

• Make certain that any loose threads and fibers have been cut away. It is critical to thoroughly clean the area both inside and outside of the rupture. Make sure to steam it from both the inside and the outside of the rip. In the interior of the tent, Tenacious Tape should be used to seal the seams. Tents should be coated with Seam Grip on the outside
• On the inside, use Seam Grip. It should be dry in 24 hours if all goes according to plan.

How do you repair a ripped canvas tarp?

You should use UV-treated polyester or marine thread for your sewing project. A heavy-duty sewing machine may be used to make repairs to canvas tarps, which can be quite useful. Keeping your stitches close together and using a sailmaker’s needle will be necessary if you’re hand-sewing the rip or tear. If you want a flat felled seam, this is the stitch you should use.

What thread do you use for tents?

It is possible to distinguish between tent sewing threads based on their composition: polyester/cotton thread (for waterproof results) or 100 percent polyester thread (for robust, durable stitching that is not required to be watertight). It has a water-resistance rating.

What thread should I use for heavy duty?

Because of its strength-to-weight ratio, nylon is one of the strongest threads available for stitching upholstery, leather, and vinyl, among other materials. When working at fast speeds with this bonded 3-ply nylon thread, you will get smooth stitches as a consequence of its specific treatment, which eliminates friction.

What kind of thread do you use to patch a canvas?

Polyester, cotton-wrapped polyester, and cotton-dyed polyester (size 40) are the ideal fabrics to use with canvas of this thickness. In order to ensure that canvas is as robust as it can be, it is frequently stitched with canvas, wool, or upholstery thread. These are all exceptionally strong threads.

How do I know what thread to use?

In the thread world, there are many distinct types, each with a varied thickness. If your thread is heavier or thicker, you will be able to see your stitches more clearly. Sew heavier materials with thicker threads to boost the strength of the final product. The selection of the appropriate thread should be based on the planned usage of the product as well as the amount of stress and strain that the seams will be subjected to.

Seam Construction

There are many different sorts of seams that can be utilized for strength, simplicity, appearance or feel, or to eliminate fraying issues with cut materials. When it comes to fabric edges, almost everything works well, whether they are woven, knit, fused by hot cutting, or bonded with a strong coating. Nobody can make anything last on the cut edges of untreated woven filament nylon or polyester, or even if the material is covered with a weak bonding coating (which is needed to keep high tear strength).

1. Although this method works effectively on textiles with coarsely textured thread, such as cotton awning fabric, Cordura awning fabric, Nomex awning fabric, or acrylic awning fabric, it will ultimately fail on slick nylon or polyester filament-woven or ripstop taffeta fabrics.
2. The urethane coatings used on tent flys (as well as on some of our earlier tents) perform an excellent job of holding seams together for a long time after the coating has worn away to the point where it is no longer water resistant.
3. We design and manufacture our equipment to endure in the most extreme situations, and we know how to cut, stitch, and seal our textiles to ensure that it will withstand whatever journey you go on.
4. Exterior seams with a mild load are ideal candidates for this product.
5. Downproof, soft, and flexible, the cloth retains around 70% of its original strength.
6. SIMPLE FLAT LAP:Ideal for flat construction requiring the greatest amount of structural strength.
7. Double stitching may increase the strength of cloth by up to 95 percent.

Thread that has been exposed to wear.

However, zigzag stitching does not last nearly as long as straight stitching.

Automatic folders make it one of the most straightforward to sew, and as a result, it can be found on practically all mass-produced tents.

CUTTING TUCK STITCH: A variant on an insert seam that conceals thread on the outside, produces a stiff and lumpy seam, and places external fabric loads directly on the thread EXTERIOR EDGES: When folded in, it creates a smooth, balanced seam with the least amount of bulk.

Other techniques include BOUND andSERGEDzigzag over edge, which are frequently employed on knits and low-cost clothes.

BAFFLING IN THE HOUSE FOR DOWN CONTROL When designing a down filled sleeping bag from an engineering standpoint, it is evident that the spread between the inner and outer covers must be limited to the thickness that the Down can expand to, and that the Down must be prevented from shifting when the sleeping bag is in use.

• However, the weight of the passenger and the Down flattens the interior to conform to the shape of the baffles, whereas the free expansion of the Down may curve out between baffles by an amount dictated by the thickness and breadth of the fabric surfaces between baffles.
• If the volume of down matches the free expansion volume of the bag, there is no area for the down to transfer to, and the down remains in its original location.
• The Down may readily transfer to the bottom side section of a bag if there is more free volume in the bag than there is fill volume.
• That will happen if the baffles are either too broad for the fill or too far away from one another.
• For the purpose of eliminating chilly seam lines, someone layered a quilt atop a quilt with the seams offset, and for the purpose of eliminating an additional layer of fabric in the center, someone alternatively stitched a middle layer from inside to outside.
• Even while it worked, the extra fabric continued to weigh down the garment.
• Because most baffles run across the bag from side to side rather than vertically, any longitudinal change between covers compresses the Down far more than vertical baffles do.
• Although this method is easier to construct and mould a bag about you, packing tends to produce big shifts in the insulation, requiring a significant amount of work to restore uniformity before usage.

When Roy Holubar was manufacturing superb V-baffled bags in the 1950’s, the company promoted the concept that the thin margins of each “tube” were overlapped by the thick centre of a neighboring tube a lot (ignoring the obvious that the baffle was just angled through a uniform thickness of Down).

• This would have been great if the materials were inflexible and non-movable.
• Disaster?
• Bags for display in stores are hung vertically, in a way that keeps the covers in the proper position.
• When compared to other insulators, one significant benefit of Down is that the insulation can be modified simply shifting it.
• If you become cold later on, gently pat the sides of the blanket, allowing the Down to spread towards the center for more insulation.

As a result, vertical “direct tension” baffles are the most effective, offering the same uniformity of thickness as V baffles at the same spacing while being lighter, less sensitive to motion, and allowing for more easily adjustable thickness.

Seams, tear strength and water column

• Home / discover helsport / about our tents / seam strength / water column / seam strength / water column / water column / seam strength / water column

Creating decent tent fabrics is a difficult process since there are so many distinct aspects that must all work together in harmony to be successful. According to popular belief, high water column means a fabric is of great quality as long as it has a low water column. In our opinion, the key to the best tent materials lies in the combination of a high water column, strong rip strength, and the careful selection of seams and threads.

Seams/thread

Seams are extremely vital to the overall quality of a tent, and it is critical to have the correct seams in the proper locations. The seams on our tents that are subjected to the most stress are sewed using a felled seam or the shuttle stitch method, depending on the situation. It is the only form of seam that does not unravel if the thread breaks during the stitching process. A particular bartack seam is used to strengthen places that are subjected to a great deal of load. Peg loops, for instance, are constructed with a bartack seam and inlaid reinforcing.

In addition to using a continuous filament polyester thread with a water-resistant coating, we apply a precise seam placing technique.

Water cannot permeate the exterior material because of the small perforations and water-repellent thread used in its construction.

Ground sheet seams

However, unlike some other tent manufacturers, we use a silicone-treated floor sheet in the majority of our tents, which means there are no welded seams. This is made feasible via the use of our stitching processes and the selection of thread. Some teepees and tents, on the other hand, require a flame-retardant ground sheet. Due to the ineffectiveness of the flame-retarding treatment when paired with the silicon treatment, the seams are welded un these instances.

Tear strength

Keep in mind that tear strength is merely a measure of a fabric’s capacity to resist additional ripping once an initial tear has occurred; it is not a measure of its durability. The barrier to subsequent tearing is increased when the tear strength is strong. It also illustrates how the fabric performs along seams and around guy points, among other things, when used to construct tents. Tear strength is influenced by four factors: the material used, the thread thickness, the structure, and the coating applied to the thread.

A strong material with thick threads and reinforcing threads in multiple locations has a higher tear strength than a weak material with thin threads.

Consider a piece of fabric where a rip is beginning to form.

The stress will be dispersed across more threads if the coating is more flexible — such as silicone — and the tear strength will be considerably increased as a result.

We put our products through rigorous testing in accordance with international standard ISO 139374. In our Pro and X-Trem tents, we employ Helsport Superlight® 1000 fabric, which has a rip strength of more than 18 kg, making it one of the toughest fabrics available on the market today.

Water resistance

An item of clothing is deemed waterproof if it has a water column rating more than 800 mm, according to the international standard EN 343 (European Standard). However, in the case of a new fabric, the capacity of the fabric to maintain a high water column rating over time is more essential than the initial water column rating. It is possible to quantify the water column by subjecting a cloth sample to increasing water pressure. When three drops of water have gone through the cloth, the test is considered complete.

The water column rating required, on the other hand, may vary depending on how the cloth will be used.

Accordingly, Helsport chose for the ground sheet material an upholstery fabric with a greater water column rating than the outer tent fabric.

It is thus advisable to begin with a water column greater than 800 mm in order to ensure that the product has a lengthy life lifetime.

Why You Should Seam Seal Your Tent Before Your Thru-Hike

It works similarly to glue in that it is intended to fill up the seams where microscopic holes were created during the tent sewing process. Many lightweight tents do not come with seam sealing, unless you pay an additional fee at the time of purchase. It is critical that you choose a tent sealant that is compatible with the fabric of your tent. Different tent materials will necessitate the use of various seam sealers. Using the incorrect seam sealer will result in the tent fabric failing to adhere with the sealer, resulting in the likelihood of leaks.

When it’s warm and dry outside, it’s better to use seam sealant to prevent leaks.

The efficacy of the sealant will be reduced if any dirt is left along the seam after it has been cleaned.

Different Types of Seam Sealer

Seam sealers are available in a variety of formulations. It is up to your tent maker to determine which seam sealer is the most appropriate for your tent. Silicone nylon (also known as silnylon) is used to manufacture the majority of lightweight camping tents. It is possible to seal this sort of cloth with a silicone sealer. ** Always check with the manufacturer to ensure that the seam sealer you are using is appropriate for your tent.

Tent Seams Without Seam Sealer

If you examine the seams of your tent, you can determine whether or not seam sealant was used.

The seams are seen in this photograph as they are not sealed.

Seam Sealer Being Applied

The seams of the tent are being sealed with tent sealant.

Dry Seam Sealer

It will take at least 3 to 6 hours for the seam sealer to completely dry. In rare cases, it may take even longer to complete the task. Testing for dryness is critical before removing the tent from its storage location. It is recommended by certain manufacturers that the tent be stored for 24 hours after it has been applied. By softly touching the seam sealer, you can determine whether or not it is dry. The fact that there is any stickiness at all indicates that it is not dry and should not be packaged.

It’s critical to allow the seam sealer to dry completely before packaging the items.

Summary

It is critical that your tent seams are properly sealed with the appropriate sort of sealant. If the seams of your tent are not adequately sealed or are not securely sealed at all, you will most likely suffer a leak in your tent if it rains. Seam sealing a tent is a reasonably simple technique, provided that the conditions are favorable. **When sealing your tent, always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.

How to Make and Repair Camping Equipment

Even a minor tear in a tent may rapidly become a major problem, but it is simple to fix even while on the path. Maintain the integrity of your tent by bringing along repair materials. Small scissors, a sewing awl, straight pins, and a grommet setting are all necessary tools. Materials: ripstop nylon repair tape and seam sealer designed for for nylon tents; taffeta repair tape and seam sealer created specifically for canvas tents; waxed thread, scrap nylon screening, and grommets for both nylon and canvas tents.

• Tents that have been pitched too rigidly can rip, tear, and leak more frequently; learn how to put up your tent such that it can flex under strong wind situations.
• Look for potentially hazardous branches, protruding roots, and sharp rocks that might cause damage to your tent; if you must pitch your tent in a potentially hazardous location, cushion sharp rocks and clear away trash before erecting your tent.
• To repair tiny tears in nylon tents, use fabric repair tape – ripstop nylon for nylon tents, taffeta for canvas tents – to cover the damaged area.
• Repeat the process on the other side of the tear.
• Make certain you’re using the proper sealer; canvas sealer may cause harm to a nylon tent.
• Then, if the rip is in a place of the tent where extra pressure isn’t a problem, fold over the top edge of the tear by approximately 1/4 inch and stitch it together using a sewing awl and strong waxed thread over the outside of the bottom torn edge, creating a new seam.
• Make your stitches short and close together; double seams are the most durable type of construction.

Repair holes or tears in tightly stretched portions of the tent with pieces of repair tape that are at least 1 1/2 inches longer and wider than the damage; if required, overlap the strips in a shingle pattern to completely cover the damage and keep it from tearing again.

If the patch isn’t strong enough, you may replace it with a patch made of tent fabric when you get back home.

Set it over the damaged part on the exterior of the tent and secure it with pins to keep it in position.

Topstitch around the whole patch, 1/16 to 1/8 inch away from the edge of the patch.

To repair the damaged section on the inside of the tent, cut it into a square or rectangle, cutting as near to the damage as possible.

Turn the sliced edges under 1 inch and pin them into place around the entire hole.

Remove the pins and topstitch again 1/8 to 1/4 inch from the beginning of the first row of stitching.

Finally, on the outside of the tent, run a bead of seam sealant around the perimeter of the patch to seal it in.

Using an awl, sew all around the edges of torn screens with a patch that is slightly larger than the rip or hole that has been created.

Tears surrounding grommets need the removal of the old grommet and the replacement of the damaged material in the area where the tear occurred.

Using repair tape, reinforce the grommet area by sticking the tape to one side of the cloth and folding it over on itself to create a double-strength patch over the hole.

Install a new grommet using a grommet setter and seal the edges with seam sealant to complete the project.

Leaks.

Floor leaks are most likely the consequence of tears in the subfloor.

This seam should be sealed.

Use a plastic dropcloth under your tent to avoid any more damage to a waterproof floor from occurring. Using a tarp as an additional layer of protection from the weather when camping is a good idea. On the next page, you’ll learn how to make your own.

For tips on caring for and repairing other types of sports equipment, try the following links:

There are several applications for waterproof fabric, including outdoor furniture, tents, and awnings, as well as sports gear. Waterproof things, on the other hand, are only as good as the sort of seam that is utilized in their construction. The fact that something is made of a waterproof fabric will be of little consolation if the seams on it fail to seal properly. Waterproof fabric that will be exposed to the elements on a regular basis should be sewed using a flat-felled seam and ultra-violet coated thread to prevent fading.

Supplies Needed:

• Fabrics that are resistant to water, such as The gore-texthat has been cut to the exact measurements of the design (It is up to the user to select the pattern because there are so many different things made from waterproof fabric.)
• Thread that has been treated with ultraviolet protection (Thread often decays faster than waterproof fabric so this will make the item last longer.)
• Straight pins (optional)
• Sewing machine
• Scissors
• Iron (optional)
• Straight pins

Steps for Sewing Waterproof Fabric:

1. Sew the waterproof fabric pieces together with the ultra-violet protected thread using a medium length straight stitch on a sewing machine that has been set to a medium length straight stitch. Using a 5/8 inch seam allowance, sew the fabric together in the reverse direction of what you would normally do for a conventional seam
2. In order to do this, stitch 5/8 inch in from the raw edge of the fabric. Using a tiny point of scissors, trim the raw edge of the seam 1/4 inch away from the seam line on one side, then repeat on the other side. Regardless of which raw edge you cut, right-handed individuals will find it simpler to complete step 5 if they cut off the right edge, and left-handed people will find it easier to complete step 5 if they cut off the left edge. Sew the seam together by wrapping the longer side of the seam around the shorter side. Straight pin or press the fabric down to prevent it from fraying along the seam line. Sew 1/8 inch from the folded edge of the seam to create a finished edge. When you are through with this step, the seam will look similar to the seam on a pair of jeans. In the case of a thick waterproof fabric like as canvas, you’re done with the stitching. If you are stitching a light, finely woven cloth, go to step 7: sew 1/8 inch from the original seam line to finish the job. When using a light fabric, this will provide additional resilience to the seam.

Because flat felled seams should not leak, following these basic criteria will result in a tight, leak-proof seam on the majority of waterproof textiles. If you desire further waterproofing, you can purchase a stick or tube of waterproofing practically anywhere that offers camping equipment or sewing materials. Have you ever attempted to make something out of waterproof fabric? Please share your thoughts and experiences, as well as photos, in the comments section below! Please see this tutorial for additional details on sewing flat felled seams: Sewing Flat Fell Seams.

If You’d Like To Support Our Site

If you would like to contribute to our ability to continue to provide you with a diverse range of free sewing patterns and projects, please consider purchasing us a cup of coffee. We would much appreciate it if you could help us.

Lay flat seam for pyramid tents

My lightweight tents, which are designed in the shape of a pyramid or tip, include numerous contiguous tall triangular panels. My tent panels are joined together with a simple version of ‘laid flat’ seams. Because of their unique design, they are simpler to assemble, and the tent seams are stronger, more sturdy, more adaptable in terms of adding lightweight guy attachment tabs. I learned this stitching method from my mother, who was a talented professional seamstress who taught me that it is straightforward and does not require a second cutting.

1. I’ve found that when you’ve pinned your joint, you should take a good’stand back’ and examine it well before you commit to sewing it since, in my experience, unpicking takes a lot longer than sewing!” The initial line of threads is sewed in the manner seen in the image below.
2. However, I was startled to see that this approach is diametrically opposed to all of the other methods that I have seen discussed on YouTube, such as the flat felled seam method.
3. These are the faces that will eventually have only a single row of stitching visible on the cheeks.
4. Step 3: Sew the second row of stitches once the seam has been flattened.
5. In the following line of stitching, the seam is brought down flat and the final remaining raw edge is concealed.
6. The final lie flat seam, with single rows of stitching from the ‘S’ side visible on the right.
7. My lay flat or flat felled seam turned out to be a lot more complicated than I had anticipated, and I was in for another surprise.
8. The machine rolls and sews both lines of stitching, which pass through from the top to the underside of the seam, simultaneously.

It even has a unique ISO 4916 2.04.06 number assigned to it. According to this fantastic link, which discusses in depth nearly every seam that one could possibly imagine or have nightmares about, this number is correct.

Lay flat seams with one bias cut edge

Whenever I construct a pyramid or tipi tent, I use a large number of adjacent tall triangular panels. These are particularly intended to have straight grain on one side and bias grain on the other, with the straight grain on the outside. Each radial seam is constructed from a composite of panels with a straight and a bias grain, which is achieved by placing them in this manner. As a result, the ‘cut’ is a little less efficient, and the project appears to be a little more complicated. It does, however, imply that the seam stretch is both restricted and uniform across all of the seams.

“The webbing of the full-length door zipper is used to prevent straining on the one unsupported bias edge that results, which occurs at the entryway.” In the same way that a huge cape is constructed, I create my tents simply by affixing each additional panel to the only availablestraight grain edgeon the gradually rising canopy with its bias grain edge.

Then, for the second line of stitches, only the newly added panel has to pass under the bridge; the rest of the threads are unnecessary (As in step 2.).

My first tent (the 12 sided orange one) had 60m*2 of this type of stitching in it!” It’s also fascinating to consider that symmetrical pyramid tens, such as mine, have a single pattern form that appears on all of their panels.

Summing up

According to my mother’s way, the lie flat or faux flat felled seam for straight/bias seams in tents includes the following characteristics:

• After the initial line of stitching, there is no trimming of the bias grain cloth. Streamlines the process of bias sewing. Every seam has a double width of straight grain in it, which increases the strength of the seam. All seams have a consistent and restricted elasticity as a result of this technique. A great area to connect little tent guy tabs is provided by this feature. All cut edges that have a tendency to fray should be concealed and held in place.

Hand sewn cone tent from tentorium.pl

Some living history/reenactment events do not have a sleeping room within a structure available, which is understandable. Because I did not want to have to constantly ask for a spot in someone else’s tent, I decided to get my own. How do I know which type to purchase? The most of the time, I’ll need this tent while I’m traveling alone or at a smaller event. As a result, setting it up on your own shouldn’t be too difficult. Cone tents appear to be the ideal solution for this application. As a result, I was seeking for sources for cone tents from the 13th century.

Medieval codices, on the other hand, include a plethora of illustrations.

The tents appear to be almost identical in appearance, yet they differ in certain characteristics.

On the next image, it can be seen that the pole may be raised by tying a rope to the top of the pole. As a result, a tent might be much larger than 2.5m in diameter. The tops of the pegs are bent inward. As a result, they must be constructed of iron or a comparable material.

Picture showing setting up of a cone tent by using a rope attached to the top. Pegs are bent at the top and therefore must be made of iron or something similar. British Library Ms Landsdowne 782 f.34v dated to about 1240 – 1250.

The majority of depictions show some sort of spherical sphere or cone at the very top of the structure (propably made of wood). This, however, is not always the case. An artwork from a Parzival narrative, discovered in the Münchener Staatsbibliothek and dated between 1228 and 1236, depicts a number of cone tents with a simple top, as seen in the figure above.

Illustration from a Parzival Story (BSB Cgm 19). One can see either round spheres or cones at the top. Or a simpler variant with just plain tops. Propably created in Straßburg between 1228 and 1236. Stored in the Münchener Staatsbibliothek. Source:I prefer simplicity and therefore decided against a wooden round sphere or cone at the top.I mentioned that the pole could be larger then a grown up men. Such a long pole is hard to pack in a regular car (I wanted the pole to be about 3m long). Therefore I needed to split it up into two. But was this also done in medieval times or is this just due to me having a too small car?. I found some depiction in the “Cantigas de Santa Maria” from spain showing (propably) split poles packed and transported on a mule. The “Cantigas de Santa Maria” was written in 1280, but the depictions are from around 1284. On many pictures one can see some decoration (yellow color) at the middle of red pole. Tentorium I’ve seen several older hand stitched tents from tentorium.pl (mostly triangular tents and large pavillions) that are still in fine condition despite the fact that they are more than ten years old. Some of the poles have cracked on some of them over time, but there have been no additional issues thus yet. In addition, the linen is water resistant. matuls Two years ago, my Living-History group purchased a secondhand large pavillion from Matuls at a reasonable price. So far, we are quite pleased with it. However, the poles were missing, and we were forced to construct our own. In addition, some people I know have informed me that they are experiencing difficulties with the ropes dragging water into the tent. We have never had to deal with anything like this before. On our large pavillion, all of the stitching is of high quality, and we have never had to repair any of it. sew-mill One of my coworkers had a cone tent made by a sewing mill (machine sewn). There is no difference between the Tentorium and Matuls tents when it comes to the linen quality. However, he had to swap the pole since it had broken during a particularly hard storm. The linen used to construct this cone tent is water resistant. However, after the first occasion, another colleague needed to impregnate his saxony tent (which was also purchased from the Sew Mill). The stitching was not water resistant. I decided to go with tentorium.pl since their version was significantly less expensive than the one offered by sew-mill. When it came to the Matuls version, there were no pegs or wooden pole provided. The total cost of my tent, including delivery, was around 1000 euros, which included iron pegs and a split timber pole.

Order and delievery

I bought the tent in March 2017, and it was delivered (as promised by Tentorium) around the end of September/beginning of October, just as I had anticipated. Tentorium informed me that they will be manufacturing all of their tents after the season.

Content of delivery

Everything needed to put up the tent was included in the package: poles, stakes, rope, and instructions.

• Split spruce pole with a brass sleeve
• Bent iron pegs (with one additional piece for replacement) stored in a little linen bag
• Linen tarpaulin

The pole has an eight-sided section and has not been oiled or treated in any other way. I’m not sure if the linen has been impregnated in any way, though.

There it is!

My cone tent has a diameter of around 3.6m and a height of approximately 2.6m. If they don’t have a lot of belongings, there is adequate room for four people. Even if everyone had a tiny chest, three people could still squeeze in there comfortably.

View from the side

Both halves of the split pole are properly aligned with the brass sleeve on the pole.

Between the wood and the brass, there is only a 0.1mm – 0.2mm gap between them. The pole’s top has a rounded shape to it. As a result, the linen should not be readily worn through.

Pole with rounded top

Because of the “fine” weave, I haven’t tried it out in the rain yet, but I will. I double-checked all of the sewings and found them to be done in a professional and robust manner. There is one particular element that I particularly like: the loops for the pegs are placed around 5cm above the bottom of the frame. As a result, the tent’s bottom has greater contact with the ground, which prevents wind from blowing through the tent.

Loop with a peg about 5cm above the ground

I have the ability to totally block the entry all the way down to the bottom. On the inside, it is closed by drawing little loops (made of rope) through each other until they are completely closed.

Closed tent

I’ll keep you informed once I’ve put this tent through its paces at a few occasions.

• Cosgrove, Sarah A.: “Military Illustrations from Las Cantigas de Santa Maria,” published online on January 6, 2018)
• British Library Ms Landsdowne 782
• Bayerische Staatsbibliothek Cgm 19
• Biblioteca Nacional de Espana Ms Landsdowne 782
• Biblioteca Nacional de Espana Ms Landsdowne 7